The Highly Capable Program (HCP) Technical Working Group was created by ESSB 6444, Section 501(q). The purpose of the HCP Technical Working Group is to establish recommendations to be provided to the Legislature on what constitutes a basic education program for highly capable students. In addition, the working group will recommend an appropriate funding structure to support the state's HCP students.

Working Group's Objectives:

Establish standards, guidelines, definitions for what constitutes a basic education program for highly capable students

Identify an appropriate HCP funding structure

Ensure that students who are both highly capable and students of color, who are poor, or who have disabilities, have equitable access to the state’s Highly Capable Program.

Prepare and deliver HCP recommendations to the Quality Education Council (QEC) and state legislators by December 1, 2010

The HCP Technical Working Group members include researchers and academics with extensive background knowledge on the educational, emotional, and social needs of highly capable students. Gayle Pauley, OSPI Director of Title I/LAP and Consolidated Program Review, will chair the group.

The nationally recognized experts consulting with the HCP
Technical Working Group are: